Research Problem Identification.pptx
- 1. IDENTIFYING THE RESEARCH PROBLEM Prepared by: Antonette C. Albina
- 2. By the end of this session, w e should be able to: Define and identify a research problem and explain its importance in a study. Identify sources of research problems. Identify criteria for deciding whether you can or should study a research problem. Distinguish between a research problem and other parts of the research process. Learn the five elements that compromise a “statement of the problem” section Know how to justify the importance of the research problem and the characteristics of a good research problem.
- 3. What is a Research Problem? A research problem is an educational issue or concern that an investigator presents and justifies in a research study. In education, a problem is a concern to educators that exists in educational settings.
- 5. Why is the Research Problem Important? It establishes the importance of the topic. It creates readers interest. It focuses the reader’s attention on how the study will add to the literature. Research problem provides direction and defines the purpose(s) of any particular research. Kerlinger said: If one wants to solve a problem, one must generally know what the problem is. It can be said that a large part of the problem lies in knowing what one is trying to do Must have clear idea about what you want to find
- 6. Decision Dilemma Academic Experience Daily Experience Field Situations Consultations Brain Storming Research Intuition Observations Reading Sources of Research Problems
- 7. Researcher’s Competence Researcher’s Resources Importance/ Urgency Novelty/ Originality Feasibility Facilities Researcher’s Interest Researchable INTERNAL EXTERNAL Usefulness/ Social Relevance Criteria of Selection of the Research Problems Research Personnel
- 8. Ask yourself To help locate your research problem for your thesis, ask yourself such questions as: What was the issue/problem you want to study? What controversy leads to the need for a study? What is the concern being addressed “behind” this study? Why do you want to undertake this study? Why is this study important to the scholarly community?
- 9. 1. Identify a broad field or subject area of interest to you Ask yourself, ‘What is it that really interests me as a professional ?
- 10. Unemployment Slow Economic Growth Increase in Population Slow Growth of Industrialization Political Stability Crime Rates 2. Dissect the broad area into subareas
- 11. 3. Select what is of most interest to you Unemployment Slow Economic Growth Increase in Population Slow Growth of Industrialization Political Stability Currency Crime Rates This is it !
- 12. 4. Raise research questions What is it that I want to find out about in this subarea?
- 13. 4. Raise research questions Make a list of whatever questions come to your mind relating to your chosen subarea Why is unemploymen t high in Philippines ? Is there any relation between inequality and unemployment. How easy or difficult is it to find a job in your country? Analysis of various causes of unemployment .
- 14. 5. Formulate objectives To find out To ascertain To determine To examine Main Sub
- 15. 6. Assess your objectives Can I achieve my objectives in time? Do I have adequate amount of money? Do I have technical expertise to carry out research?
- 16. 7. Double check Am I really enthusiastic about the study? Do I really have enough resources to undertake study?
- 17. Determining Whether a Problem Should be Researched Can you study the problem? Do you have access to the research site? Do you have the time, resources, and skills to carry out the research? Should you study the problem? Does it advance knowledge? Does it contribute to practice?
- 18. Determining Whether a Problem Should be Researched (cont’d) Will your study fill a gap or void in the existing literature? Will your study replicate a past study but examine different participants and different research sites? Will your study extend past research or examine the topic more thoroughly? Will your study give voice to people not heard, silenced, or rejected in society? Will your study inform practice?
- 19. How the Problem Differs from other Parts of Research Research Problem: Educational issue/problem in a study Research Topic: Broad subject matter being addressed in a study Purpose: Major intent or object of study Research Questions: Questions to answer or address in a study
- 20. General Specific Topic Research Problem Purpose Statement Research Question Distance learning Lack of students in distance classes To study why students do not attend distance education classes at a community college Does the use of Web site technology in the classroom deter students from enrolling in a distance education class? Differences among the Topic, Problem, Purpose, and Questions
- 21. Five Elements of a “Problem Statement”
- 22. Example of the Flow of Ideas in the Problem Statement
- 23. The Narrative Hook The narrative hook should be the first sentence of the study. Functions of the narrative hook Causes the reader to pay attention Elicits an emotional or attitudinal response from the reader Causes the reader to continue reading Information that can be included in the narrative hook Statistics A provocative question Need for research Intent of the study
- 24. Advancing the Topic The topic is introduced in the first paragraphs. The topic includes the general subject matter. The topic must be introduced so that the reader can relate to it. State the problem in the opening paragraph Identify an issue Research-based research problems Practical problems Stating the Research Problem
- 25. Justifying the importance of the Research Problem Justification based on what other researchers have found Justification based on personal or workplace experiences Justification based on the experiences others have had in the workplace
- 26. Identifying Deficiencies in the Evidence What do we still need to know? What else do we need to know to improve practice? Identifying the Audience Ask the following question: “Who will profit from reading my study?” Other researchers Practitioners Policy makers Special populations (e.g., parents)
- 27. Getting Started Write down the purpose statement of your study Embedded in this purpose statement are key terms that will help you to start your literature review This part of the literature review searches for core literature and it should focus almost exclusively on empirical studies Look for studies similar to your problem statement in Australia. Look for studies similar to your problem statement in other countries.
- 28. Characteristics of a Good Research Problem It should be interesting to you. It should have practical value to you, your work or your community. It should not be over researched. It should be within your experience/expertise. It can be finished within the allotted time. It should not carry legal or moral impediments.
Editor's Notes
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